Mile 2129 — 2448
California
End of the Trail — Where Dreams Meet the Pacific
California is where Route 66 reaches its legendary end at the Santa Monica Pier. The 315-mile stretch from Needles on the Arizona border crosses the Mojave Desert, climbs through the San Bernardino Mountains, and rolls through Pasadena and Hollywood before reaching the Pacific Ocean. This is the promised land that drew millions westward.
315
Miles
10
Cities
15
Attractions
100
Years
Featured Guides
Essential California Reading
California Route 66: The Complete 2026 Centennial Guide
California is where Route 66 reaches the Pacific. In 2026, the state celebrates 100 years with Centennial events from Santa Monica to the Mojave Desert.
January 15, 2026
Santa Monica Pier: The End of Route 66
The iconic End of the Trail sign on Santa Monica Pier marks the western terminus of Route 66. Here's everything you need to know about visiting.
February 1, 2026
Crossing the Mojave: Needles to Barstow on Route 66
The loneliest stretch of Route 66 crosses California's Mojave Desert — 150 miles of ghost towns, Joshua trees, and iconic roadside stops.
February 10, 2026
The Original McDonald's: San Bernardino's Route 66 Legacy
In 1940, Dick and Mac McDonald opened a restaurant in San Bernardino that would change American food culture forever. Here's the full story.
February 15, 2026
Roy's Motel & Cafe: Amboy's Desert Mirage on Route 66
Roy's Motel & Cafe in Amboy has been a beacon in the Mojave Desert since 1938. The town's population hovers between 0 and 4, but the iconic googie sign still glows.
March 1, 2026
Pasadena to Santa Monica: The Final Miles of Route 66
The last 30 miles of Route 66 wind through Pasadena, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and West LA before reaching the Pacific at Santa Monica Pier.
March 10, 2026
Follow the road west — from the Arizona border to the Santa Monica Pier. Each stop has our curated picks for attractions, food, and hidden gems.
starCan't Miss
Santa Monica Pier
The western terminus of Route 66 and home to the iconic 'End of the Trail' sign installed in 2009. Pacific Park amusement rides, the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, and street performers make this a must-visit destination.
Free to walk; rides from $5
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Santa Monica Pier
starstarstarstarstar4.7Third Street Promenade
starstarstarstarstar4.5starCan't Miss
El Garces Harvey House
A stunning 1908 railroad depot designed by Francis Wilson in the Mission Revival style. Once a premier Fred Harvey Company hotel, the beautifully restored exterior is one of the finest examples of railroad-era architecture on Route 66.
Free to view exterior
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El Garces Harvey House
starstarstarstarstar4.3starCan't Miss
Route 66 Mother Road Museum
A free museum housed inside the historic Harvey House (Casa del Desierto) in Barstow. Exhibits chronicle Route 66's California history with vintage photos, memorabilia, and artifacts from the highway's golden age.
Free
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Calico Ghost Town
starstarstarstarstar4.4Route 66 Mother Road Museum
starstarstarstarstar4.4starCan't Miss
Original McDonald's Site
Dick and Mac McDonald opened their revolutionary restaurant here in 1940. The original building was demolished in 1972, but an unofficial museum displays original artifacts, signage, and memorabilia from fast food's birthplace.
Free
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Original McDonald's Site
starstarstarstarstar4.3Wigwam Motel
starstarstarstarstar4.4starCan't Miss
Colorado Boulevard
The original Route 66 alignment through Pasadena and the famous Rose Parade route since 1890. Lined with shops, restaurants, and the Norton Simon Museum, this historic boulevard is where the Mother Road meets Old Pasadena.
Free
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Colorado Boulevard
starstarstarstarstar4.5starCan't Miss
Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch
Elmer Long's extraordinary outsider art forest of over 200 'trees' made from glass bottles, metal pipes, and found objects. Started in 2000 and still growing. One of the most photographed stops on California Route 66.
Free
exploreThings to See & Do
Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch
starstarstarstarstar4.6starCan't Miss
Roy's Motel & Cafe
Built in 1938, Roy's iconic googie sign rises from the Mojave Desert in the near-ghost town of Amboy (population 0-4). Recently restored, the gas station is operational and the cafe opens intermittently.
Free
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Roy's Motel & Cafe
starstarstarstarstar4.5Amboy Crater
starstarstarstarstar4.4starCan't Miss
Sycamore Inn Historic Site
The oldest restaurant on Route 66, dating back to 1848 as a stagecoach stop. The massive sycamore trees out front are over 200 years old. A National Register landmark.
Menu from $20
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Sycamore Inn Historic Site
starstarstarstarstar4.51937 Route 66 Service Station
starstarstarstarstar4.2starCan't Miss
Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch
Elmer Long's extraordinary outsider art forest of over 200 'trees' made from glass bottles, metal pipes, and found objects. Started in 2000 and still growing. One of the most photographed stops on California Route 66.
Free
exploreThings to See & Do
Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch
starstarstarstarstar4.6Route 66 Centennial
California Events 2026
From the Barstow Mojave Festival to the Santa Monica End of Trail Celebration — 5 events across the Golden State. Don't miss the 100th anniversary.
View All Eventsarrow_forwardMojave Desert Heat Warning
Summer temperatures in the Mojave regularly exceed 110°F. Always carry at least 2 gallons of extra water per person, a full tank of gas, and a charged phone. The stretch between Needles and Barstow has very few services — plan accordingly.
Read more arrow_forwardAvoid LA Rush Hour on Route 66
Route 66 through Los Angeles follows surface streets (Colorado Blvd, Santa Monica Blvd). Avoid driving these between 7–9 AM and 4–7 PM on weekdays. Weekend mornings are the sweet spot for a smooth drive to Santa Monica.
Read more arrow_forwardBest Time to Drive California Route 66
October through April is ideal for the desert sections (cooler temps, possible wildflowers). The coast is pleasant year-round, though June can be foggy ('June Gloom'). For the full route, March–April and October–November are perfect.
Read more arrow_forwardBudget Guide
California is expensive. Budget: $100–150/day (camping, diners). Mid-range: $200–250/day (motels, casual restaurants). Comfortable: $300+/day (hotels, fine dining). Gas averages $4.50–5.50/gallon — significantly more than other Route 66 states.
Read more arrow_forwardFrequently Asked
California Route 66 FAQ
How long is Route 66 through California?expand_more
California's stretch of Route 66 is 315 miles (507 km), running from Needles on the Arizona border to Santa Monica Pier on the Pacific Ocean. It passes through the Mojave Desert, San Bernardino, Pasadena, and Los Angeles.
Where does Route 66 end?expand_more
Route 66 officially ends (or begins, depending on your direction) at the Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, California. The 'End of the Trail' sign was installed on the pier in 2009. Originally, Route 66 ended at the intersection of Olympic Boulevard and Lincoln Boulevard in Santa Monica.
What are the must-see stops on California Route 66?expand_more
Santa Monica Pier (End of the Trail sign), Roy's Motel & Cafe in Amboy, the Original McDonald's site in San Bernardino, Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch in Oro Grande, Calico Ghost Town near Barstow, Wigwam Motel in Rialto, and Fair Oaks Pharmacy in South Pasadena.
Is it safe to drive Route 66 through the Mojave Desert?expand_more
Yes, but preparation is essential. Summer temperatures exceed 110°F. Always carry extra water (2+ gallons per person), a full tank of gas, and a charged phone. The stretch between Needles and Barstow has very few services. Drive during morning hours in summer.
Explore California
Things To Do in California
From Route 66 landmarks to Pacific beaches — discover everything California has to offer.
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